Remember the last time you bought a new car and found yourself filling out the paperwork. Sign here, initial here and oh by the way, here's a copy of your credit score. You might be somewhat appalled to see that your credit score is lower than you originally expected, which comes with it, in this situation, an interest rate that isn't quite as enviable as you wanted as part of this transaction. In addition to your disbelief, you may start questioning exactly why your credit score is so low, particularly since you're of the opinion that you've done pretty much everything right. You pay your bills on time, you have a strong debt to income ratio (should be 70-30 in favor of income but no lower than 60-40) and you have enough money in your savings account worth noting and isn't too shabby considering you're hardly a millionaire. That said, that three digit credit score number still isn't doing much for you. Why is that? Turns out, you may be doing things that, unbeknownst to you, are hurting your credit score, even though you assume that these actions aren't that bad. Take for instance opening up a credit card. The idea of signing up for a new card isn't all bad, even though every time a credit check is run on you it lowers your score. What really hampers your credit score realistically not just opening up or inquiring about one card but rather opting to open up multiple cards whenever you see fit or like the offer that is staring back at you. The thinking behind opening up new cards is for things like balance transfers to lower interest rates or to earn cash back or bonus points whenever you can. That trip to Florida predicated on using your credit card isn't worth that slowly slipping credit score. Perhaps the worst credit score oversight, once again, falls in your lap. Did you know it is OK to inquire about your credit score via a report at your convenience? Granted, you're not going to want to do this all the time, but this may help you find if there is something on there you either don't know about or shouldn't be there in the first place. Knowledge and awareness often are overlooked as it relates to your credit score, but truthfully the more you know the better your chances are of not only observing and understanding that number you're looking at but also keeping it at a level you deem respectable.